Slidable mounting hardware for electronic equipment enclosure and method for installing same

ABSTRACT

A method of securing a structure against a slide-type mounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure includes: providing a hardware assembly having a spring retainer and bolt, a head of which is received at least partially within the spring retainer; positioning the hardware assembly within a T-slot channel of the slide-type mounting rail such that bent edges of deflectable spring arms engage ledges of the T-slot channel to prevent the retainer from rotation; configuring the bolt from an unlocked position to a locked position by rotating the bolt a quarter turn relative to the retainer to position the head transversely within the channel, thereby obstructing the hardware assembly from inadvertent removal from the slide-type mounting rail; placing the structure against the slide-type mounting rail such that a shaft extends through an aperture; and tightening a nut onto the shaft such that the nut is pressed firmly against the structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/550,976, filed Dec. 14, 2021, which '976application, any application publication thereof, and any patent issuingtherefrom are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety, and which '976 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/125,489, filed Dec. 15, 2020,which '489 application is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. Additionally, the entirety of each of the followingcommonly-assigned U.S. provisional patent applications is incorporatedherein by reference:

-   -   (a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/125,499,        filed Dec. 15, 2020 and entitled, “CASTER ATTACHMENT SYSTEM        USING MATING FEATURES,” attached hereto as Appendix A;    -   (b) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/125,504,        filed Dec. 15, 2020 and entitled, “BRUSH PORT ASSEMBLY,”        attached hereto as Appendix B;    -   (c) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/125,506,        filed Dec. 15, 2020 and entitled, “FRAME STRUCTURE FOR        ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE,” attached hereto as Appendix C;        and        The disclosure of each of the foregoing U.S. provisional patent        applications is contained in the corresponding appendix, as        designated above, each of which is likewise incorporated herein        in its entirety by reference and is intended to provide        background and technical information with regard to the systems        and environments of the inventions of the current nonprovisional        patent application.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to mounting hardware forelectronic equipment enclosures, and, in particular, to slidablemounting hardware receivable in slots or channels of slide-type mountingrails.

Background

Electronic equipment enclosures, such as frames, cabinets, and the likefor supporting computer and other electronic equipment, are very wellknown. Many electronic equipment enclosures employ slots or channels instructural components to facilitate attachment of other components, suchas equipment mounting rails or cable management accessories. Variousknown hardware configurations for mounting equipment rails and/oraccessories are described below.

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a prior art slide-typemounting rail 10 with a square head bolt 12 mounted therein. Theslide-type mounting rail 10 features an extruded construction with atleast one T-slot channel 14 extending along its length. As shown in FIG.1 , the T-slot channel 14 is configured to accommodate a bolt 12 havinga square head 16. The square head 16 of the bolt 12 is received at anend of the T-slot channel prior to installation of the rail in anenclosure. Unfortunately, square head bolts 12 can easily become snaggedwithin the channel 14 and, thus, often do not slide freely to permitadjustment of the bolt position. Moreover, owing to its square headshape, a square head bolt 12 can only be added or removed when ends ofthe channel 14 are unobstructed, which is rarely the case when the rail10 is installed in an enclosure. Still further, conventional square headbolt designs do not facilitate electrical bonding between the bolt 12and the channel 14, which is usually painted or coated.

Various specialized mounting hardware has been developed to address someof these issues. For example, FIG. 2A is a fragmentary isometric view ofthe slide-type mounting rail 10 of FIG. 1 and a drop-in spring nut 22,and FIG. 2B is a fragmentary isometric view of the slide-type mountingrail 10 of FIG. 2A with the drop-in spring nut 22 mounted therein. Thedrop-in spring nut 22 of FIGS. 2A and 2B features a narrow width and oneor more spring arms 24 that are capable of deflection but will return toan undeflected state once an applied force is removed. As shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the spring arms 24 of the drop-in spring nut 22 arecompressible to permit the nut 22 to be received within the T-slotchannel 14 of the mounting rail 10 at a desired position along thechannel 14. Once the drop-in spring nut 22 is within the channel 14, thespring arm(s) spring back, which forces the face of the nut 22 againstthe channel opening for receipt of a bolt or other fastener.Unfortunately, due to the spring force of the spring arms 24, drop-inspring nuts 22 still cannot be maneuvered freely within the channel 14,thus making it difficult to adjust the position of the nut 22post-installation. Additionally, drop-in spring nuts 22 do notelectrically bond with the painted or coated surfaces of most equipmentrails. Still further, because installed drop-in spring nuts 22 are fullyreceived within the channel 14, it can be quite difficult for a user toconnect bolt-mounted equipment and accessories absent a direct view ofwhere the nut 22 is positioned within the channel 14.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary end view of a prior art slide-type mountingstrut 30 with a channel nut 32 and retaining spring 40 mounted therein.Mounting struts 30 with spring-biased channel nuts 32 offer anotherconfiguration for mounting equipment rails and/or accessories. Oneconventional strut/channel nut combination is sold under the UNISTRUT®brand by Atkore International of Harvey, Ill. The mounting strut 30defines a lengthwise channel 34 with opposed channel ledges 38 extendinginward from either side. The face of the channel nut 32 includes grooves36 that correspond to the ledges 38 of the channel 34. The retainingspring 40 is centered at the rear face of the channel nut 32 and isdesigned to retain the nut in position within the channel 34. Duringinstallation of the channel nut 32, the retaining spring 40 iscompressed so that the ledges 38 no longer bear on the front face of thenut 32, thereby permitting the nut to be maneuvered through the channel34. Once released, the spring 40, still in a partially biased state,pushes against the rear wall of the channel 34, which presses thegrooves 36 of the channel nut 32 against the ledges 38 of the strut. Inthis manner, the channel nut 32 is retained in position within thechannel 34. Unfortunately, as with drop-in spring nuts, the channel nut32 is largely hidden within the channel 34 of the strut 30, thus addingdifficulty to the attachment of bolt-mounted equipment and accessoriesabsent a direct view of the nut 32. Moreover, owing to the retainingspring 40 being in a partially biased state, the channel nut 32 is notcapable of sliding freely within the channel 34 after installation.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of another prior art slide-typemounting strut 46 with a hammer head bolt 48 mounted therein, and FIG. 5is a perspective view of the hammer head bolt 48 of FIG. 4 . Thismounting strut 46 has an extruded construction with four T-slot channels52, each opening at a different side of the strut 46 and extending thelength thereof. The hammer head bolt 48 includes a T-shaped head 54 anda threaded shaft 56. The T-shaped head 54 has a rectangular shape with apair of short ends and a pair of long ends. Beneath the long ends thatoverhang the threaded shaft 56 are groups of paint-cutting ribs 58 thatare designed to cut through a painted or coated surface when the bolt istightened. Additionally, at one of the short ends, the T-shaped head 54includes an anti-rotation shoulder 60 to prevent the bolt 48 fromrotating more than ninety degrees within the T-slot channel 52.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the hammer head bolt 48 can beinserted into one of the T-slot channels 52 from an end thereof, withthe long ends of the head 54 in alignment with the channel.Alternatively, the width of the head 54 is sufficiently narrow as topermit the head to be inserted directly into the T-slot channel 52 fromany location along its length. In this latter regard, the hammer headbolt 48 can be installed after the mounting strut 46 is alreadyinstalled in a cabinet frame assembly. Once received within the T-slotchannel 52, the hammer head bolt 48 is rotated ninety degrees in aclockwise direction to secure the bolt. In so doing, the long edges ofthe head 54 overhang the ledges of the T-slot channel 52 to prevent thebolt from removal, the paint-cutting ribs 58 of the head 54 cut throughthe paint or coating on adjacent strut surfaces to establish ametal-on-metal connection, and the anti-rotation shoulder 60 preventsthe bolt from over-rotation within the channel 52. Unfortunately, evenwith the anti-rotation shoulder 60 to prevent over-rotation in theclockwise direction, there is nothing to prevent the hammer head bolt 48from becoming loose by rotating in the counterclockwise direction, inwhich case the bolt 48 may unintentionally loosen or become uninstalled.Moreover, once the hammer head bolt 48 is installed, there is noindicator to confirm to an installer that the bolt 48 is properlypositioned within the channel 52.

Another approach utilizes specialized mounting rails that do not includecontinuous channels for bolts. For example, FIG. 6 is a fragmentaryisometric view of a prior art slot-type mounting rail 62 with a carriagebolt 64 mounted therein. The slot-type mounting rail 62 is constructedof steel tubing or formed sheet metal and includes a series of slots oropenings 66 therethrough. Each slot 66 includes a large central portionshaped and sized to permit the round head 68 of a conventional carriagebolt 64 to be inserted therethrough. To each side of the centralportion, the slot 66 becomes narrower such that, when the carriage bolt66 is maneuvered within the slot 66 in either direction from the centralportion, the round head 68 prevents the bolt from being removed.Unfortunately, with a slot-type mounting rail 62, there are limitationswith respect to where the bolt can be positioned along the length of therail. In particular, the bolt 64 is only permitted to be positionedwithin one of the slots 66, and then only at a location within the slot66 where the bolt 64 cannot inadvertently be removed therefrom (i.e.,not at the large central portion). Furthermore, because there aremultiple slots 66 in lieu of one long continuous slot, moving thecarriage bolt 64 may require removing hardware entirely so that the bolt66 can be removed from one slot 66 and relocated to a different slot 66.In addition to these shortcomings, carriage bolts 64 generally do notelectrically bond with painted or coated surfaces of most equipmentrails. Still further, carriage bolts 64 sometimes have a tendency duringinstallation to fall entirely through a slot 66 to the other side, asthere is usually no other structure behind the bolt head 68 to provide abackstop during installation.

As such, a need exists for slidable mounting hardware for electronicequipment enclosures and cabinets that overcome deficiencies of existinghardware solutions. This and other needs are addressed by one or moreaspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention may overcome one ormore of the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not describedabove, but the present invention is not required to overcome anyparticular disadvantage described above, and some exemplary embodimentsof the present invention may not overcome any of the disadvantagesdescribed above.

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of slidable mounting hardware receivable in slots or channels ofslide-type mounting rails, the present invention is not limited to useonly in slidable mounting hardware receivable in slots or channels ofslide-type mounting rails, as will become apparent from the followingsummaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one ormore embodiments of the present invention.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect relatesto a hardware assembly for installation in a slide-type mounting rail ofan electronic equipment enclosure. The hardware assembly includes aspring retainer and a hardware component. The spring retainer has a rearwall and a spring arm extending in a forward direction from each end ofthe rear wall. Each spring arm includes a distal end that extends inwardtoward the distal end of the other spring arm and is deflectable. Thehardware component is received at least partially within the springretainer and includes a generally oblong head and a plurality of cambosses arranged at a front-facing side thereof. Each spring arm engagesand is partially deflected by a respective one of the cam bosses,thereby clamping the hardware component within the spring retainer. Uponreceipt of the hardware component within a T-slot channel of theslide-type mounting rail, the head is rotatable relative to the springretainer to position the generally oblong head transversely within theT-slot channel, thereby obstructing the hardware component and thespring retainer from inadvertent removal.

In a feature of this aspect, the head includes a plurality of cuttingribs on the front-facing side thereof for cutting through a paintedsurface at the interior of the mounting rail to establish metal-on-metalcontact between the hardware component and the mounting rail.

In another feature of this aspect, the spring retainer includes a tabstop extending in a forward direction at each side of the rear wall forpreventing over-rotation of the hardware component.

In another feature of this aspect, each spring arm includes a lockingcam at the distal end thereof for positioning the hardware componentrelative to the spring retainer.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component includes apivot recess at a rear-facing side thereof that interfaces with a pivotboss arranged on the rear wall of the spring retainer to position thehardware component relative to the spring retainer.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a bolthaving a shaft that protrudes from the front-facing side of the head. Inanother feature of this aspect, the shaft includes a groove along an endsurface thereof for indicating whether the bolt has been rotated.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a nuthaving an aperture extending therethrough. In another feature of thisaspect, the nut includes a plurality of notches to accommodate a toolfor rotating the nut relative to the spring retainer.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a method of installing a hardware assembly in a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure. The method includes:providing a hardware assembly having a spring retainer and a hardwarecomponent received at least partially within the spring retainer,wherein, the spring retainer includes a rear wall and a deflectablespring arm extending in a forward direction from each end of the rearwall, each spring arm including a distal end that extends inward towardthe distal end of the other spring arm, the hardware component includesa generally oblong head and a plurality of cam bosses arranged at afront-facing side thereof, and each spring arm engages and is partiallydeflected by a respective one of the cam bosses, thereby clamping thehardware component within the spring retainer; positioning the hardwareassembly within a T-slot channel of a mounting rail such that bent edgesof the deflectable spring arms engage ledges of the T-slot channel toprevent the spring retainer from rotation; and configuring the hardwarecomponent from an unlocked position to a locked position by rotating thehardware component a quarter turn relative to the spring retainer toposition the generally oblong head transversely within the channel,thereby obstructing the hardware assembly from inadvertent removal fromthe mounting rail.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes sliding thehardware assembly within the T-slot channel to adjust a positionthereof.

In another feature of this aspect, rotation of the hardware componentrelative to the spring retainer causes the spring arms to be deflectedoutward until the quarter turn is complete, at which point the springarms snap back against different ones of the plurality of cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, each spring arm includes a lockingcam at the distal end thereof to prevent the hardware component fromrotating back to the unlocked position.

In another feature of this aspect, the spring retainer includes a tabstop extending in a forward direction at each side of the rear wall forpreventing over-rotation of the hardware component.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component includes apivot recess at a rear-facing side thereof that interfaces with a pivotboss arranged on the rear wall of the spring retainer to position thehardware component relative to the spring retainer.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a bolthaving a shaft that protrudes from the front-facing side of the head. Inanother feature of this aspect, the bolt includes a plurality of cuttingribs on the front-facing side thereof, and wherein tightening a nut onthe bolt shaft causes the cutting ribs to engage and cut through apainted inner surface of the T-slot channel, thereby establishingmetal-on-metal contact between the bolt and the mounting rail. Inanother feature of this aspect, the shaft includes a groove along an endsurface thereof for indicating whether the bolt has been rotated. Inanother feature of this aspect, the method further includes mounting astructure on the bolt. In another feature of this aspect, when themounting rail is oriented horizontally, a lower edge of the bolt engagesthe mounting rail such that the mounting rail provides load-bearingsupport to a structure mounted with the bolt.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a nuthaving an aperture extending therethrough. In another feature of thisaspect, the nut includes a plurality of cutting ribs on the front-facingside thereof, and wherein tightening a bolt onto the nut causes thecutting ribs to engage and cut through a painted inner surface of theT-slot channel, thereby establishing metal-on-metal contact between thenut and the mounting rail. In another feature of this aspect, the nutincludes a plurality of notches to accommodate a tool for rotating thenut relative to the spring retainer.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a hardware assembly for installation in a slide-type mountingrail of an electronic equipment enclosure substantially as shown anddescribed.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a bolt and spring retainer for installation in a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure substantially asshown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a nut and spring retainer for installation in a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure substantially asshown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a method of installing a hardware assembly in a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure substantially asshown and described.

In a feature of this aspect, the hardware assembly includes a bolt and aspring retainer.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware assembly includes a nutand a spring retainer.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a hardware assembly for installation in a slide-type mountingrail of an electronic equipment enclosure. The hardware assemblyincludes a spring retainer and a hardware component received at leastpartially within the spring retainer. The spring retainer has a rearwall and a deflectable spring arm extending in a forward direction fromeach end of the rear wall. Each spring arm includes a distal end thatextends inward toward the distal end of the other spring arm. Thehardware component includes a generally oblong head and a plurality ofcam bosses arranged at a front-facing side thereof. Each spring armengages and is partially deflected outward by a respective one of thecam bosses, thereby clamping the hardware component within the springretainer. Upon receipt of the hardware component within a T-slot channelof the slide-type mounting rail, the generally oblong head is rotatablerelative to the spring retainer to position the generally oblong headtransversely within the T-slot channel, thereby obstructing the hardwarecomponent and the spring retainer from inadvertent removal.

In a feature of this aspect, the head includes a plurality of cuttingribs on the front-facing side thereof for cutting through a paintedsurface at the interior of the slide-type mounting rail to establishmetal-on-metal contact between the hardware component and the slide-typemounting rail.

In another feature of this aspect, the spring retainer includes a tabstop extending in a forward direction at each side of the rear wall forpreventing over-rotation of the hardware component.

In another feature of this aspect, each spring arm includes a lockingcam at the distal end thereof for positioning the hardware componentrelative to the spring retainer.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component includes apivot recess at a rear-facing side thereof that interfaces with a pivotboss arranged on the rear wall of the spring retainer to maintainalignment of the hardware component relative to the spring retainerduring rotation. In another feature of this aspect, the pivot boss isformed at least in part from a countersunk aperture that penetrates therear wall.

In another feature of this aspect, the distal end of each spring armincludes a concavely curved outer edge that engages the respective oneof the cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a bolthaving a shaft that protrudes from the front-facing side of the head. Inanother feature of this aspect, the shaft includes a groove along an endsurface thereof for indicating whether the bolt has been rotated.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a nuthaving an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a shaft of abolt. In another feature of this aspect, the nut includes a plurality ofaligned notches to accommodate a tool for rotating the nut relative tothe spring retainer.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a method of installing a hardware assembly in a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure. The method includes:providing a hardware assembly having a spring retainer and a hardwarecomponent received at least partially within the spring retainer,wherein, the spring retainer includes a rear wall and a deflectablespring arm extending in a forward direction from each end of the rearwall, each spring arm including a distal end that extends inward towardthe distal end of the other spring arm, the hardware component includesa generally oblong head and a plurality of cam bosses arranged at afront-facing side thereof, and each spring arm engages and is partiallydeflected by a respective one of the cam bosses, thereby clamping thehardware component within the spring retainer; positioning the hardwareassembly within a T-slot channel of the slide-type mounting rail suchthat bent edges of the deflectable spring arms engage ledges of theT-slot channel to prevent the spring retainer from rotation; andconfiguring the hardware component from an unlocked position to a lockedposition by rotating the hardware component a quarter turn relative tothe spring retainer to position the generally oblong head transverselywithin the channel, thereby obstructing the hardware assembly frominadvertent removal from the slide-type mounting rail.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes sliding thehardware assembly within the T-slot channel to adjust a positionthereof.

In another feature of this aspect, rotation of the hardware componentrelative to the spring retainer causes the spring arms to be deflectedoutward until the quarter turn is complete, at which point the springarms snap back against different respective ones of the plurality of cambosses.

In another feature of this aspect, each spring arm includes a lockingcam at the distal end thereof to prevent the hardware component fromrotating back to the unlocked position.

In another feature of this aspect, the distal end of each spring armincludes a concavely curved outer edge that engages the respective oneof the cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, the spring retainer includes a tabstop extending in a forward direction at each side of the rear wall forpreventing over-rotation of the hardware component.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component includes apivot recess at a rear-facing side thereof that interfaces with a pivotboss arranged on the rear wall of the spring retainer to position thehardware component relative to the spring retainer. In another featureof this aspect, the pivot boss is formed at least in part from acountersunk aperture that penetrates the rear wall.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a bolthaving a shaft that protrudes from the front-facing side of the head.

In another feature of this aspect, the bolt includes a plurality ofcutting ribs on the front-facing side thereof, and wherein tightening anut on the bolt shaft causes the cutting ribs to engage and cut througha painted inner surface of the T-slot channel, thereby establishingmetal-on-metal contact between the bolt and the slide-type mounting railto facilitate electrical bonding.

In another feature of this aspect, the shaft includes a groove along anend surface thereof for indicating whether the bolt has been rotated.

In another feature of this aspect, the method further includes mountinga structure on the bolt.

In another feature of this aspect, when the slide-type mounting rail isoriented horizontally, a lower edge of the bolt engages the slide-typemounting rail such that the slide-type mounting rail providesload-bearing support to a structure mounted with the bolt.

In another feature of this aspect, the hardware component is a nuthaving an aperture extending therethrough.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut includes a plurality ofcutting ribs on the front-facing side thereof, and wherein tightening abolt onto the nut causes the cutting ribs to engage and cut through apainted inner surface of the T-slot channel, thereby establishingmetal-on-metal contact between the nut and the slide-type mounting railto facilitate electrical bonding.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut includes a plurality ofnotches to accommodate a tool for rotating the nut relative to thespring retainer.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a method of securing a structure against a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure. The method includes:providing a hardware assembly having a spring retainer and a bolt, ahead of which is received at least partially within the spring retainer,wherein, the spring retainer includes a rear wall and a deflectablespring arm extending in a forward direction from each end of the rearwall, each spring arm including a distal end that extends inward towardthe distal end of the other spring arm, the head of the bolt isgenerally oblong and includes a plurality of cam bosses arranged at afront-facing side thereof, each spring arm engages and is partiallydeflected by a respective one of the cam bosses, thereby clamping thehead of the bolt within the spring retainer, and a shaft of the boltprotrudes in a forward direction from the spring retainer between thespring arms; positioning the hardware assembly within a T-slot channelof the slide-type mounting rail such that bent edges of the deflectablespring arms engage ledges of the T-slot channel to prevent the springretainer from rotation; configuring the bolt from an unlocked positionto a locked position by rotating the bolt a quarter turn relative to thespring retainer to position the head transversely within the channel,thereby obstructing the hardware assembly from inadvertent removal fromthe slide-type mounting rail; placing the structure against theslide-type mounting rail such that the shaft extends through an apertureof the structure; and tightening a nut onto the shaft such that the nutis pressed firmly against the structure.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes sliding thehardware assembly within the T-slot channel to adjust a positionthereof.

In another feature of this aspect, rotation of the bolt relative to thespring retainer causes the spring arms to be deflected outward until thequarter turn is complete, at which point the spring arms snap backagainst different respective ones of the plurality of cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, each spring arm includes a lockingcam at the distal end thereof to prevent the bolt from rotating back tothe unlocked position.

In another feature of this aspect, the distal end of each spring armincludes a concavely curved outer edge that engages the respective oneof the cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, the spring retainer includes a tabstop extending in a forward direction at each side of the rear wall forpreventing over-rotation of the bolt.

In another feature of this aspect, the bolt includes a pivot recess at arear-facing side thereof that interfaces with a pivot boss arranged onthe rear wall of the spring retainer to position the bolt relative tothe spring retainer. In another feature of this aspect, the pivot bossis formed at least in part from a countersunk aperture that penetratesthe rear wall.

In another feature of this aspect, the bolt includes a plurality ofcutting ribs on the front-facing side thereof. In another feature ofthis aspect, tightening the nut on the shaft causes the cutting ribs toengage and cut through a painted inner surface of the T-slot channel,thereby establishing metal-on-metal contact between the bolt and theslide-type mounting rail to facilitate electrical bonding. In anotherfeature of this aspect, an electrical bonding path includes each of theslide-type mounting rail, the bolt, the nut, and the structure.

In another feature of this aspect, the shaft includes a groove along anend surface thereof for indicating whether the bolt has been rotated.

In another feature of this aspect, when the slide-type mounting rail isoriented horizontally, a lower edge of the bolt engages the slide-typemounting rail such that the slide-type mounting rail providesload-bearing support to the structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectrelates to a method of securing a structure against a slide-typemounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure. The method includes:providing a hardware assembly having a spring retainer and a nutreceived at least partially within the spring retainer, wherein, thespring retainer includes a rear wall and a deflectable spring armextending in a forward direction from each end of the rear wall, eachspring arm including a distal end that extends inward toward the distalend of the other spring arm, the nut is generally oblong, has anaperture extending therethrough, and includes a plurality of cam bossesarranged at a front-facing side thereof, and each spring arm engages andis partially deflected by a respective one of the cam bosses, therebyclamping the nut at least partially within the spring retainer;positioning the hardware assembly within a T-slot channel of theslide-type mounting rail such that bent edges of the deflectable springarms engage ledges of the T-slot channel to prevent the spring retainerfrom rotation; configuring the nut from an unlocked position to a lockedposition by rotating the nut a quarter turn relative to the springretainer, thereby positioning the nut transversely within the channeland obstructing the hardware assembly from inadvertent removal from theslide-type mounting rail; positioning a shaft of a bolt through anaperture of the structure and through the aperture of the nut; andtightening the bolt relative to the nut to bring the front-facing sideof the nut into engagement with the T-slot channel.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes sliding thehardware assembly within the T-slot channel to adjust a positionthereof.

In another feature of this aspect, rotation of the nut relative to thespring retainer causes the spring arms to be deflected outward until thequarter turn is complete, at which point the spring arms snap backagainst different respective ones of the plurality of cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, each spring arm includes a lockingcam at the distal end thereof to prevent the nut from rotating back tothe unlocked position.

In another feature of this aspect, the distal end of each spring armincludes a concavely curved outer edge that engages the respective oneof the cam bosses.

In another feature of this aspect, the spring retainer includes a tabstop extending in a forward direction at each side of the rear wall forpreventing over-rotation of the nut.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut includes a pivot recess at arear-facing side thereof that interfaces with a pivot boss arranged onthe rear wall of the spring retainer to position the nut relative to thespring retainer. In another feature of this aspect, the pivot boss isformed at least in part from a countersunk aperture that penetrates therear wall.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut includes a plurality ofcutting ribs on the front-facing side thereof. In another feature ofthis aspect, tightening the bolt relative to the nut to bring thefront-facing side of the nut into engagement with the T-slot channelcauses the cutting ribs to engage and cut through a painted innersurface of the T-slot channel, thereby establishing metal-on-metalcontact between the nut and the slide-type mounting rail to facilitateelectrical bonding. In another feature of this aspect, an electricalbonding path includes each of the slide-type mounting rail, the nut, thebolt, and the structure.

In another feature of this aspect, the nut includes a plurality ofnotches to accommodate a tool for rotating the nut relative to thespring retainer.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a prior art slide-typemounting rail with a square head bolt mounted therein;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary isometric view of the slide-type mounting railof FIG. 1 and a drop-in spring nut;

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary isometric view of the slide-type mounting railof FIG. 2A with the drop-in spring nut mounted therein;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary end view of a prior art slide-type mountingstrut with a channel nut and retaining spring mounted therein;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a prior art slide-typemounting strut with a hammer head bolt mounted therein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hammer head bolt of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of a prior art slot-type mountingrail with a carriage bolt mounted therein;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a slide-type mounting rail having a boltand spring retainer inserted therein for receiving a nut in accordancewith one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the bolt, spring retainer, and nut ofFIG. 7 , shown outside of the rail;

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the bolt and spring retainer of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the bolt of FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIG. 10 is a reverse isometric view of the bolt of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the spring retainer of FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIG. 12 is a reverse isometric view of the spring retainer of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of a portion of themounting rail of FIG. 7 showing the bolt and spring retainer beinginserted into the rail;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary isometric view similar to that of FIG. 13 butshowing the bolt and spring retainer fully inserted in the rail;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary isometric view similar to that of FIG. 14 butshowing the bolt rotated into the locked position;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, bolt, and springretainer of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, bolt, and springretainer of FIG. 16 , shown with a vertical structure placed in positionagainst the mounting rail;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, bolt, and springretainer of FIG. 17 , shown with a nut loosely installed on the end ofthe bolt;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, bolt, and springretainer of FIG. 18 , shown with the nut tightened on the bolt;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the mounting rail, bolt, springretainer, and vertical structure of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting rail, bolt, and springretainer of FIG. 15 shown with a portion of the bolt engaging a lowerledge of the T-slot channel;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a slide-type mounting rail having a nutand spring retainer inserted therein for receiving a bolt in accordancewith one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the nut and spring retainer of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the nut of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a reverse isometric view of the nut of FIG. 24 ;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, nut, and springretainer of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, nut, and springretainer of FIG. 26 , shown with a vertical structure placed in positionagainst the mounting rail and a bolt loosely inserted therethrough;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, nut, and springretainer of FIG. 27 , shown with the bolt loosely installed in the nut;and

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail, nut, and springretainer of FIG. 28 , shown with the bolt tightened in the nut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporateonly one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosedherein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; orcombination thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, including adaptations,variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, are implicitlydisclosed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention inany claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined bythe claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that thescope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined byreading into any claim a limitation found herein that does notexplicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theissued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to theUnited States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actuallyused in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision isintended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claimelement. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedentstep, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and thestep to be performed at least once during performance of the claimedmethod.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Further, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention are next described. The followingdescription of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplaryin nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, itsapplication, or uses.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a slide-type mounting rail 100 having abolt 104 and spring retainer 106 inserted therein for receiving a nut108 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. It is contemplated that each of the bolt 104 and the springretainer 106 are made from a durable metal material, and that in atleast some embodiments the materials are electrically conductive. In atleast some contemplated embodiments, the slide-type mounting rail 100has an extruded construction with one or more channels or grooves 102formed therein for use in accommodating slide hardware. In othercontemplated embodiments, the slide-type mounting rail 100 isconstructed from steel tubing or formed sheet metal. It is furthercontemplated that the slide-type mounting rail 100 can include otherslots, apertures, or other openings formed or machined into differentsurfaces thereof for accommodating fasteners, accessories, or othertypes of structural features.

Within the context of electronic equipment enclosures and cabinets, theslide-type mounting rail 100 can function as a structural component ofthe frame that supports the enclosure or it can serve as an internal orexternal appurtenant structure, such as an equipment or accessorymounting rail. It is further contemplated that the slide-type mountingrail 100 can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or in any otherorientation relative to the enclosure or cabinet. As can be seen in FIG.7 , a bolt 104 and a spring retainer 106 in accordance with one or morepreferred embodiments of the present invention have been inserted into acentrally-located T-slot channel 102 of the slide-type mounting rail100, and a nut 108 has been threaded onto the bolt 104.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the bolt 104, spring retainer 106, andnut 108 of FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the bolt 104 andspring retainer 106 of FIG. 8A, shown in isolation. As shown in FIGS. 8Aand 8B, a head 110 of the bolt 104 is retained within the springretainer 106 by a pair of deflectable spring arms 120. In at least someembodiments, it is contemplated that the bolt 104 and spring retainer106 are provided in a preassembled state where they are paired togetherin the manner shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the bolt 104 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, and FIG.10 is a reverse isometric view of the bolt 104 of FIG. 9 . The bolt head110 features a pair of short sides 124 and a pair of long sides 126,which, together, provide the bolt head 110 with a generally oblong orrectangular shape. It is contemplated that each of the short and longsides 124,126 may exhibit some degree of curvature or they may exhibitno curvature at all. With reference to FIG. 10 , the bolt head 110preferably includes a pivot recess 122 that is centrally located along arear surface thereof.

The bolt 104 further includes a cylindrical shaft 116 that is at leastpartially threaded and protrudes from a front of the bolt head 110. Theend of the bolt shaft 116 includes a groove or channel 118 across asurface thereof. At a proximal end of the shaft 116, where the shaftintersects the bolt head 110, the bolt 104 includes a plurality of cambosses 112 arranged around the shaft 116 at evenly spaced intervals.Each cam boss 112 is generally box-shaped with rounded edges, and eachprotrudes beyond the cross-sectional profile of the cylindrical shaft116 but within the cross-sectional profile of the bolt head 110. In theembodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 , the bolt 104 includes four cam bosses112, although more or fewer cam bosses are also contemplated.

With reference to FIG. 9 , the bolt 104 further includes a series ofcutting ribs 114 arranged at opposite sides of the bolt head 110 alongthe front-facing surface thereof. Each cutting rib 114 includes a sharpsurface or edge for cutting through the paint or other coating ofanother metal surface when the ribs are applied against the other metalsurface, and, more particularly, when the bolt 104 is rotated andtightened against such surface. In this regard, the cutting ribs 114facilitate a metal-on-metal connection between the bolt 104 and theother metal surface.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the spring retainer 106 of FIGS. 8A and8B, and FIG. 12 is a reverse isometric view of the spring retainer 106of FIG. 11 . The spring retainer 106 includes a rear wall 138 and a pairof spring arms 120 that extend from respective ends of the rear wall138. Each spring arm 120 extends in a forward direction and then inwardsuch that distal ends of the cage arms 120 generally extend toward oneanother. Under application of an outward pushing force, the spring arms120 are outwardly deflectable by a small margin and are biased to springback to an undeflected state upon removal of the force. Distal ends ofthe spring arms 120 include a concavely curved outer edge 128 with alocking cam 130 arranged at one side thereof. As will be explained ingreater detail below, the locking cams 130 interact with the cam bosses112 on the bolt 104 to help position the bolt head 110 relative to thespring retainer 106.

The spring retainer 106 further includes a pivot boss 132 that iscentrally located along a length of the rear wall 138. The pivot boss132 protrudes in an inward direction and interacts with the pivot recess122 of the bolt 104 to help position the bolt relative to the springretainer 106. In at least some embodiments, the pivot boss 132 is formedat least in part from a countersunk aperture 134 that penetrates therear wall 138. In this regard, edges of the rear wall 138 that definethe aperture 134 protrude forward and are adapted to interact with thepivot recess 122 of the bolt 104. In other contemplated embodiments, thepivot boss 132 includes a solid protrusion. As further shown in FIGS. 11and 12 , the spring retainer 106 includes tab stops 136 that extendforward from sides of the rear wall 138 adjacent the spring arms 120.The tab stops 136 limit rotation of the bolt 104 within the springretainer 106.

With further reference to FIG. 8B, the bolt 104 is held and alignedrelative to the spring retainer 106 by a variety of features. Whenassembled together, the bolt head 110 is positioned within the springretainer 106 with the shaft 116 protruding forward therefrom. The springarms 120 are deflected at least slightly from an undeflected state bycam bosses 112 at opposite sides of the bolt 104. The bias of the springarms 120 against the cam bosses 112 clamps the bolt 104 within thespring retainer 106. In particular, the outer surface of each cam boss112 abuts the concavely curved outer edge 128 of one of the spring arms120. The bolt 104 is retained in an aligned position by the pivot boss122, which is received within the pivot recess 132 of the springretainer 106. In particular, seating the pivot boss 122 within the pivotrecess 132 ensures that the bolt 104 remains centered within the springretainer 106 even as the bolt is rotated. The tab stops 136 arranged onsides of the rear wall 138 and adjacent the spring arms 120 prevent thebolt 104 from rotation in a direction blocked by the tab stops 136.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of the mountingrail 100 of FIG. 7 showing the bolt 104 and spring retainer 106 beinginserted into the rail 100, and FIG. 14 is a fragmentary isometric viewsimilar to that of FIG. 13 but showing the bolt 104 and spring retainer106 fully inserted in the rail 100. In a contemplated method ofinstalling the bolt 104 and spring retainer 106 in a slide-type mountingrail 100, the pre-assembled bolt 104 and spring retainer 106 areinserted into a T-slot channel 102 of the mounting rail 100 until therear wall 138 of the spring retainer 106 reaches the rear wall 142 ofthe channel 102. Once received within the T-slot channel 140, bent edges146 of the spring arms 120 are obstructed by the opposing ledges 144 ofthe T-slot channel 102. With the bent edges 146 of the spring arms 120blocked by the ledges 144 of the T-slot channel 102, the spring retainer106 is prevented from rotation within the channel. However, thepre-assembled bolt 104 and spring retainer 106 is slidable within thechannel along a length thereof to adjust the position of the bolt 104and spring retainer 106.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary isometric view similar to that of FIG. 14 butshowing the bolt 104 rotated into the locked position or locked state.To lock the bolt 104 at a desired location along the mounting rail 100,the bolt 104 is rotated ninety degrees, or one quarter turn, in aclockwise direction 148. It is contemplated that the biasing force ofthe spring arms 120 is such that the bolt 104 can be rotated by handwithout the aid of tools. During rotation of the bolt 104, the unengagedcam bosses 112 will press against angled outer edges of the locking cams130, thereby causing the spring arms 120 to be deflected outward. Oncethe unengaged cam bosses 112 have cleared the locking cams 130, thespring arms 120 will spring back to clamp against the previouslyunengaged cam bosses 112 to retain the bolt 104. It is contemplatedthat, as the unengaged cam bosses 112 spring back upon clearing thelocking cams 130, the bolt 104 clicks or snaps into the locked positionor state, thereby providing an installer with confirmation that the bolt104 has been properly locked. Additionally, the orientation of thegroove 118 at the end surface of the bolt shaft 116 can provide aninstaller with confirmation that the bolt 104 has been properly locked.In particular, once the groove has been re-oriented by ninety degrees,the bolt has been properly locked. Advantageously, the end surface ofthe bolt shaft 116, particularly including the groove 118, is visible toan installer even after the bolt 104 is inserted into the channel 102and fully installed.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail 100, bolt 104,and spring retainer 106 of FIG. 15 . As shown in FIG. 16 , the bolt 104has been rotated to the locked position or state. When in the lockedposition or state, the long sides 126 of the bolt head 110 arepositioned across the T-slot channel 102, thereby preventing the bolt104 from exiting the channel. With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 , thetab stops 136 prevent the bolt 104 from further rotation in theclockwise direction. Additionally, with reference to FIG. 15 , thelocking cams 130 prevent the bolt head 110 from unintentionally rotatingback in the counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail 100, bolt 104,and spring retainer 106 of FIG. 16 , shown with a vertical structure 140placed in position against the mounting rail 100. With the bolt 104 inthe locked position or state, additional structures, such as equipmentcomponents, cable management accessories, and structural components canbe secured or fastened using the bolt 104. As shown in FIG. 17 , avertical structure 140 is positioned against the mounting rail 100 withthe bolt shaft 116 extending through an aperture of the verticalstructure 140.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail 100, bolt 104,and spring retainer 106 of FIG. 17 , shown with a nut 108 looselyinstalled on the end of the bolt 104. With the vertical structure 140 inposition against the mounting rail 100, the nut 108 can be positionedonto the distal end of the bolt shaft 116 at the other side of thevertical structure 140. FIG. 19 is a fragmentary end view of themounting rail 100, bolt 104, and spring retainer 106 of FIG. 18 , shownwith the nut 108 tightened on the bolt 104, and FIG. 20 is an isometricview of the mounting rail 100, bolt 104, spring retainer 106, nut 108,and vertical structure 140 of FIG. 19 . As the nut 108 is tightened onthe shaft 116, the cutting ribs 114 on the bolt head 110 cut through anypaint or coating on the interior-facing surface of the T-slot channel102, thereby establishing metal-on-metal contact between the bolt 104and the mounting rail 100 to facilitate an electrical bondingconnection. Additionally, it is contemplated that the nut 108 may itselfhave serrated ribs on the contact surface that abuts the verticalstructure 140. In this regard, metal-on-metal contact (and electricalbonding) may also be established between the nut 108 and the verticalstructure 140. Taken together, the metal-on-metal connections form anelectrical bonding path from the vertical structure 140 through the nut108, through the bolt 104, and to the mounting rail 100.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting rail 100, bolt 104,and spring retainer 106 of FIG. 15 but shown with a portion of the bolt104 engaging a lower ledge 144 of the T-slot channel 102. For aslide-type mounting rail 100 in a horizontal orientation, it iscontemplated that the mounting rail 100 is capable of providingload-bearing support. In particular, it is contemplated that a portionof an equipment load is transmittable through the bolt 104 upon whichthe load is directly or indirectly mounted and to the mounting rail 100at the point where the bolt 104 engages the ledge 144 of the T-slotchannel 102.

It is contemplated that a bolt 104 and spring retainer 106 in accordancewith one or more aspects of the present invention can be installed orremoved after the enclosure or cabinet has been fully assembled.Furthermore, it is contemplated that the bolt 104 and spring retainer106 can be unlocked to facilitate repositioning of the nut 104 andspring retainer 106 within the channel 102. To unlock the bolt 104, thebolt 104 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction. In this regard,it is contemplated that unlocking the bolt 104 may require a greaterrotational force than what is required to lock the bolt duringinstallation.

Although presented thus far in the context of a bolt whose head ispositioned and retained in a channel 102, it will be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, a nut having many similar characteristics tothe bolt head 110 of FIGS. 7-21 may be provided. In this regard, FIG. 22is an isometric view of a slide-type mounting rail 100 having a nut 208and spring retainer 106 inserted therein for receiving a bolt inaccordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. It is contemplated that each of the nut 208 and the springretainer 106 are made from a durable metal material, and that in atleast some embodiments the materials are electrically conductive. Asdescribed previously, in at least some contemplated embodiments, theslide-type mounting rail 100 has an extruded construction with one ormore channels or grooves 102 formed therein for use in accommodatingslide hardware. In other contemplated embodiments, the slide-typemounting rail 100 is constructed from steel tubing or formed sheetmetal. It is further contemplated that the slide-type mounting rail 100can include slots, apertures, or other openings formed or machined intodifferent surfaces thereof for accommodating fasteners, accessories, orother types of structural features.

Within the context of electronic equipment enclosures and cabinets, theslide-type mounting rail 100 can function as a structural component ofthe frame that supports the enclosure or it can serve as an internal orexternal appurtenant structure, such as an equipment or accessorymounting rail. It is further contemplated that the slide-type mountingrail 100 can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or in any otherorientation relative to the enclosure or cabinet. As can be seen in FIG.22 , a nut 208 and a spring retainer 106 in accordance with one or morepreferred embodiments of the present invention have been inserted into acentrally-located T-slot channel 102 of the slide-type mounting rail100.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the nut 208 and spring retainer 106 ofFIG. 22 . As shown therein, a portion of the nut 208 is retained withinthe spring retainer 106 by a pair of deflectable spring arms 120. In atleast some embodiments, it is contemplated that the nut 208 and springretainer 106 are provided in a preassembled state where they are pairedtogether in the manner shown in FIG. 23 .

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the nut 208 of FIG. 23 , and FIG. 25 isa reverse isometric view of the nut 208 of FIG. 24 . The nut 208includes a body or head 210 featuring a pair of short sides 224 and apair of long sides 226, which, together, provide the nut head 210 with agenerally oblong or rectangular shape. It is contemplated that each ofthe short and long sides 224,226 may exhibit some degree of curvature orthey may exhibit no curvature at all. With reference to FIG. 25 , thenut head 210 preferably includes a pivot recess 222 that is centrallylocated along a rear surface thereof. At an interior of the pivot recess222 is an aperture 225 that passes through the nut head 210 and isshaped to accommodate a bolt shaft received therethrough. It iscontemplated that interior surfaces of the aperture 225 may be threadedto receive a threaded bolt shaft, as described hereinbelow.

With further reference to FIG. 24 , the nut 208 further includes aplurality of cam bosses 212 arranged at evenly spaced intervals aroundthe aperture 225 along a front surface of the nut head 210. Each camboss 212 is generally box-shaped with rounded edges. Each cam boss 212protrudes from an edge of the nut aperture 225 and remains within thecross-sectional profile of the nut head 210. In the embodiment of FIGS.24 and 25 , the nut 208 includes four cam bosses 212, although more orfewer cam bosses are also contemplated. As further shown in FIG. 24 ,the nut 208 includes a plurality of notches 218 adjacent the aperture225 at the front surface of the nut head 210. Each notch 218 is arrangedat a quarter turn around the edge of the aperture 225 and the notchesare axially aligned therewith. These notches 218 are adapted to interactwith a tool, such as a flathead, cross-head, or Phillips headscrewdriver, for rotating the nut 208. However, it will be appreciatedthat other arrangements of notches or recesses may alternatively beprovided for interaction with other types of screwdrivers or tools.

With reference to FIG. 24 , the nut 208 further includes a series ofcutting ribs 214 arranged at opposite sides of the nut head 210 alongthe front-facing surface thereof. Each cutting rib 214 includes a sharpsurface or edge for cutting through the paint or other coating ofanother metal surface when the ribs are applied against the other metalsurface, and, more particularly, when the nut 208 is rotated andtightened against such surface. In this regard, the cutting ribs 214facilitate a metal-on-metal connection between the nut 208 and the othermetal surface.

It is contemplated that the spring retainer 106 for use with the nut 208may be structurally identical to that which is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12for use with the bolt 104. As will be explained in greater detail below,the locking cams 130 interact with the cam bosses 212 on the nut 208 tohelp position the nut relative to the spring retainer 106.

As described previously, the spring retainer 106 includes a pivot boss132 that is centrally located along a length of the rear wall 138. Thepivot boss 132 protrudes in an inward direction and includes acountersunk aperture 134 that penetrates the rear wall 138. Adjacent theaperture 134, edges of the rear wall 138 protrude inward and are adaptedto interact with the pivot recess 222 to help position the nut 208relative to the spring retainer 106. As they do with the bolt 104, thetab stops 136 of the spring retainer 106 prevent the nut 208 fromrotating within the spring retainer 106.

With further reference to FIG. 23 , the nut 208 is held and alignedwithin the spring retainer 106 by a variety of features. The spring arms120 are deflected at least slightly from an undeflected state by cambosses 212 at opposite sides of the nut 208. The bias of the spring arms120 against the cam bosses 212 clamps the nut 208 within the springretainer 106. In particular, the outer surface of each cam boss 212abuts the concavely curved outer edge 128 of one of the spring arms 120.The nut 208 is retained in an aligned position by the pivot boss 222,which is received within the pivot recess 132 of the spring retainer106. In particular, seating the pivot boss 222 within the pivot recess132 ensures that the nut 208 remains centered within the spring retainer106 even as the nut is rotated. The tab stops 136 arranged on sides ofthe rear wall 138 and adjacent the spring arms 120 prevent the nut 208from rotation in a direction blocked by the tab stops 136.

It is contemplated that the nut 208 and spring retainer 106 can beinstalled in a slide-type mounting rail 100 in a manner very similar tothat of the bolt 104 and spring retainer 106. In a contemplated methodof installing the nut 208 and spring retainer 106 in a slide-typemounting rail 100, the pre-assembled nut 208 and spring retainer 106 areinserted into a T-slot channel 102 of the mounting rail 100 until therear wall 138 of the spring retainer 106 reaches the rear wall 142 ofthe channel. Once received within the T-slot channel 140, bent edges 146of the spring arms 120 are obstructed by the opposing ledges 144 of theT-slot channel 102. With the bent edges 146 of the spring arms 120blocked by the ledges 144 of the T-slot channel 102, the spring retainer106 is prevented from rotation within the channel 102. However, thepre-assembled nut 208 and spring retainer 106 is slidable within thechannel along a length thereof to adjust the position of the nut 208 andspring retainer 106.

To lock the nut 208 at a desired location along the mounting rail 100,the nut 208 is rotated ninety degrees, or a quarter turn, in a clockwisedirection. It is contemplated that the nut 208 can be rotated using atool, such as a flathead, cross-head, or Phillips head screwdriver. Inparticular, it is contemplated that a Phillips head screwdriver can bereceived in the notches 218 to rotate the nut 208. During rotation ofthe nut 208, the unengaged cam bosses 212 will press against angledouter edges of the locking cams 130, thereby causing the spring arms 120to be deflected outward. Once the unengaged cam bosses 212 have clearedthe locking cams 130, the spring arms 120 will spring back to clampagainst the previously unengaged cam bosses 212 to retain the nut 208.It is contemplated that, as the unengaged cam bosses 212 spring backupon clearing the locking cams 130, the nut 208 clicks or snaps into thelocked position or state, thereby providing an installer withconfirmation that the nut 208 has been properly locked.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail 100, nut 208, andspring retainer 106 of FIG. 22 . In FIG. 26 , the nut 208 has beenrotated to the locked position or locked state. When in the lockedposition or state, the long sides 226 of the nut head 210 are positionedacross the T-slot channel 102, thereby preventing the nut 208 fromexiting the channel. The tab stops 136 prevent the nut 208 from furtherrotation in the clockwise direction. Additionally, the locking cams 130prevent the nut 208 from unintentionally rotating back in thecounterclockwise direction.

With the nut 208 in the locked position or state, additional structures,such as equipment components, cable management accessories, andstructural components can be secured or fastened using the nut 208 inconnection with a corresponding bolt. In this regard, FIG. 27 is afragmentary end view of the mounting rail 100, nut 208, and springretainer 106 of FIG. 26 , shown with a vertical structure 140 placed inposition against the mounting rail 100 and a bolt 109 loosely insertedtherethrough. In particular, the shaft of the bolt 109 is positionedthrough an aperture of the structure to be mounted. Then, the bolt 109is positioned through the aperture 225 of the nut 208 at thefront-facing side thereof and is tightened. FIG. 28 is a fragmentary endview of the mounting rail 100, nut 208, and spring retainer 106 of FIG.27 , shown with the bolt 109 loosely installed in the nut 208, and FIG.29 is a fragmentary end view of the mounting rail 100, nut 208, andspring retainer 106 of FIG. 28 , shown with the bolt 109 tightened inthe nut 208. As the bolt 109 is tightened, the cutting ribs 214 on thenut head 210 cut through any paint or coating on the interior-facingsurface of the T-slot channel 102, thereby establishing metal-on-metalcontact between the nut 208 and the mounting rail 100 to facilitate anelectrical bonding connection. Additionally, it is contemplated that thebolt 109 may itself have serrated ribs on the contact surface that abutsthe structure being mounted, thereby establishing metal-on-metal contact(and electrical bonding) between the bolt 109 and the mounted structure140. Taken together, the metal-on-metal connections form an electricalbonding path from the structure 140 through the bolt 109, through thenut 208, and to the mounting rail 100.

For a slide-type mounting rail 100 in a horizontal orientation, it iscontemplated that the mounting rail 100 is capable of providingload-bearing support. In particular, it is contemplated that a portionof an equipment load is transmittable through the nut 208 upon which theload is directly or indirectly mounted and to the mounting rail 100 atthe point where the nut 208 engages the ledge 144 of the T-slot channel102.

It is contemplated that a nut 208 and spring retainer 106 in accordancewith one or more aspects of the present invention can be installed orremoved after the enclosure or cabinet has been fully assembled.Furthermore, it is contemplated that the nut 208 and spring retainer 106can be unlocked to facilitate repositioning of the nut 208 and springretainer 106 within the channel 102. To unlock the nut 208, the nut canbe rotated in a counterclockwise direction. In this regard, it iscontemplated that unlocking the nut 208 may require a greater rotationalforce than what is required to lock the nut during installation.

Each of a bolt and spring retainer and a nut and spring retainer inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention provide animprovement for attaching an equipment rail or other accessories toenclosure slide-type mounting rails having formed T-slot channels. Theseassemblies can be easily installed or removed as needed (even after theenclosure frame has been assembled), can be locked into the T-slotchannel to prevent the hardware from being inadvertently removed, arecapable of sliding freely within the T-slot channel for infiniteadjustability along the length of the channel, can electrically bond tothe mounting rail automatically when tightened, and can provide for theability to maneuver or position structures to be mounted within theenclosure prior to finalizing and tightening the hardware. It will beappreciated, however, that any one of these features is believed to bean improvement over existing solutions, and that various embodiments ofthe present invention do not require all of the features to be present.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claim(s) appended hereto and the equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of securing a structure against aslide-type mounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure, themethod comprising: providing a hardware assembly having a springretainer and a bolt, a head of which is received at least partiallywithin the spring retainer, wherein, the spring retainer includes a rearwall and a deflectable spring arm extending in a forward direction fromeach end of the rear wall, each spring arm including a distal end thatextends inward toward the distal end of the other spring arm, the headof the bolt is generally oblong and includes a plurality of cam bossesarranged at a front-facing side thereof, each spring arm engages and ispartially deflected by a respective one of the cam bosses, therebyclamping the head of the bolt within the spring retainer, and a shaft ofthe bolt protrudes in a forward direction from the spring retainerbetween the spring arms; positioning the hardware assembly within aT-slot channel of the slide-type mounting rail such that bent edges ofthe deflectable spring arms engage ledges of the T-slot channel toprevent the spring retainer from rotation; configuring the bolt from anunlocked position to a locked position by rotating the bolt a quarterturn relative to the spring retainer to position the head transverselywithin the channel, thereby obstructing the hardware assembly frominadvertent removal from the slide-type mounting rail; placing thestructure against the slide-type mounting rail such that the shaftextends through an aperture of the structure; and tightening a nut ontothe shaft such that the nut is pressed firmly against the structure. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising sliding the hardware assemblywithin the T-slot channel to adjust a position thereof.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein rotation of the bolt relative to the spring retainercauses the spring arms to be deflected outward until the quarter turn iscomplete, at which point the spring arms snap back against differentrespective ones of the plurality of cam bosses.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein each spring arm includes a locking cam at the distal endthereof to prevent the bolt from rotating back to the unlocked position.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the distal end of each spring armincludes a concavely curved outer edge that engages the respective oneof the cam bosses.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the spring retainerincludes a tab stop extending in a forward direction at each side of therear wall for preventing over-rotation of the bolt.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the bolt includes a pivot recess at a rear-facing sidethereof that interfaces with a pivot boss arranged on the rear wall ofthe spring retainer to position the bolt relative to the springretainer.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the pivot boss is formed atleast in part from a countersunk aperture that penetrates the rear wall.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the bolt includes a plurality ofcutting ribs on the front-facing side thereof.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein tightening the nut on the shaft causes the cutting ribs toengage and cut through a painted inner surface of the T-slot channel,thereby establishing metal-on-metal contact between the bolt and theslide-type mounting rail to facilitate electrical bonding.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein an electrical bonding path includes each ofthe slide-type mounting rail, the bolt, the nut, and the structure. 12.The method of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a groove along an endsurface thereof for indicating whether the bolt has been rotated. 13.The method of claim 1, wherein, when the slide-type mounting rail isoriented horizontally, a lower edge of the bolt engages the slide-typemounting rail such that the slide-type mounting rail providesload-bearing support to the structure.
 14. A method of securing astructure against a slide-type mounting rail of an electronic equipmentenclosure, the method comprising: providing a hardware assembly having aspring retainer and a nut received at least partially within the springretainer, wherein, the spring retainer includes a rear wall and adeflectable spring arm extending in a forward direction from each end ofthe rear wall, each spring arm including a distal end that extendsinward toward the distal end of the other spring arm, the nut isgenerally oblong, has an aperture extending therethrough, and includes aplurality of cam bosses arranged at a front-facing side thereof, andeach spring arm engages and is partially deflected by a respective oneof the cam bosses, thereby clamping the nut at least partially withinthe spring retainer; positioning the hardware assembly within a T-slotchannel of the slide-type mounting rail such that bent edges of thedeflectable spring arms engage ledges of the T-slot channel to preventthe spring retainer from rotation; configuring the nut from an unlockedposition to a locked position by rotating the nut a quarter turnrelative to the spring retainer, thereby positioning the nuttransversely within the channel and obstructing the hardware assemblyfrom inadvertent removal from the slide-type mounting rail; positioninga shaft of a bolt through an aperture of the structure and through theaperture of the nut; and tightening the bolt relative to the nut tobring the front-facing side of the nut into engagement with the T-slotchannel.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising sliding thehardware assembly within the T-slot channel to adjust a positionthereof.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein rotation of the nutrelative to the spring retainer causes the spring arms to be deflectedoutward until the quarter turn is complete, at which point the springarms snap back against different respective ones of the plurality of cambosses.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein each spring arm includes alocking cam at the distal end thereof to prevent the nut from rotatingback to the unlocked position.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein thedistal end of each spring arm includes a concavely curved outer edgethat engages the respective one of the cam bosses.
 19. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the spring retainer includes a tab stop extending in aforward direction at each side of the rear wall for preventingover-rotation of the nut.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the nutincludes a pivot recess at a rear-facing side thereof that interfaceswith a pivot boss arranged on the rear wall of the spring retainer toposition the nut relative to the spring retainer.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the pivot boss is formed at least in part from acountersunk aperture that penetrates the rear wall.
 22. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the nut includes a plurality of cutting ribs on thefront-facing side thereof.
 23. The method of claim 22, whereintightening the bolt relative to the nut to bring the front-facing sideof the nut into engagement with the T-slot channel causes the cuttingribs to engage and cut through a painted inner surface of the T-slotchannel, thereby establishing metal-on-metal contact between the nut andthe slide-type mounting rail to facilitate electrical bonding.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, wherein an electrical bonding path includes each ofthe slide-type mounting rail, the nut, the bolt, and the structure. 25.The method of claim 14, wherein the nut includes a plurality of notchesto accommodate a tool for rotating the nut relative to the springretainer.